OUTSIDE THE CAMP BEARING THE REPROACH
OUTSIDE THE CAMP BEARING THE REPROACH
Sunday, September 1, 2019, the Year of our Lord
Pastor Carolyn Sissom
Recently a Christian minister has been exposed for being involved in gross sin within the ministry. This message today is not to make a judgment or statement regarding that situation.
Johnny Enlow gave a prophecy in April 2019 that God is “busting up deep darkness in what is called MY (His) Church.” This busting up of deep darkness extends to the justice systems, Hollywood, D.C., sex trade, pedophile rings and the Media. We are watching as evil is being exposed in our nation.
The corruption in the justice department is being exposed.
The corruption in the media is being exposed.
Sex trade and pedophile rings are being exposed.
In no way, do I condone, cover or ignore sin. But, we the Church must discern and seek the LORD as to how we will handle this exposure and fall-out within and without. The Word of God has specific instructions of how to deal with sin within the Church as well as baby Christians who will be coming in with the Harvest who have no knowledge of sin through ignorance.
I have watched on F.B. two ways of ministering to the brethren:
1. Lev 24:14Bring forth him that has cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, whosoever curses his God shall bear his sin. He that blasphemes the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him; as well as the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemes the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.
This is the Old Testament law dealing with the sin of blasphemy against God.
But today because of the judgment in our land for sin, I am only going to address the “Sin Offering” of bulls, goats, sheep, fine flour, and birds. (Lev. 4: 24-30)
2. Heb 13:11For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
The sin offering provided an expiation of sin issuing in forgiveness for the offender. Divine provision is made for an offerer whose conscience was troubled by the discovery of sin committed in ignorance, through negligence or even an error in judgment. Persons rather than acts of sin are specified. The offerer is judged on the ground of what he is – a sinner. In his stead the substitute victim which he presented received the just penalty for sin, which is death.
The Sin Offering represents Jesus Christ as our sin bearer, taking the sinner’s place for sins “through ignorance.” Provision is made for every class of people, for none are exempt from this sin.
The cross of Christ is viewed here as rendering full satisfaction to God for sin, making forgiveness for man righteously possible.
The Law “made nothing perfect” and so made no provision for sins of a presumptuous nature (open contempt and rebellion of the commandments). Those guilty of willful sins were cut off.
Numbers 15: 30-31: The soul that does anything presumptuously whether he is born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproaches the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he has despised the word of the LORD, and has broken His commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.
The good news of the Gospel meets the sinner at every point of his need. Divine grace now reckons as willful sin only the rejection of the Holy Spirit’s testimony to the Person and work of Jesus Christ (Jn. 16: 8-9). Even the crucifixion of Jesus is classed by God as a sin of ignorance (Acts 3:17, 1 Cor. 2:8).
Let us learn these lessons of mercy and patience. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” I believe we will be wiser to rule and reign with him from the Mercy-seat; than from the great white throne of judgment.
The blood of the sin offering provided for the sins of ignorance and negligence due to the depravity of the offender’s nature which included indwelling sins.
The appointed sacrifices and offerings were graded according to the sinner’s standing or position of responsibility. The guilt of sin under the Law was proportioned to the rank and status of the offender.
Luke 12:48“But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
An apostle, pastor, prophet, evangelist and teacher are held to a higher standard and more accountability before the LORD than those whom we teach and serve.
Rom 2:19And are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which has the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. You therefore which teaches another, do you not teach yourself? You that preach a man should not steal, do you steal?
You that say a man should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You that abhorres idols, do you commit sacrilege?
You that make your boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonors your God?For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
This was also true in the Old Testament. The sacrifice required by the High Priest, Aaron and his sons was a young bull without blemish (Lev. 4: 3-12). The High Priest’s sin would entail interrupted communion with God for the congregation, for they would have no fit representative. The blood of the young bull was brought into the Holy Place and sprinkled before the Vail. This seven-times sprinkling secured Jehovah’s relations with His people. Blood was also smeared on the horns of the Incense Altar (cleansing of prayer, praise and worship). The remainder of blood was poured out at the base of the Brazen Altar (a type and shadow of the Cross).
JESUS THE HIGH PRIEST NEVER NEEDED A SACRIFICE FOR HIMSELF.
Heb. 7: 26-28: For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.
Indwelling sin as well as acts of sin were confessed and atoned for by the Savior’s sacrifice. He confessed our sins, took up the burden of them, and as a substitute victim bore the curse (Gal. 3:13). He received at God’s hands the judgment due to us. (Isa. 53) Justice is now satisfied and God is “just to forgive” (1 Jn. 1:9).
Sin affects our fellowship with God, our worship, and our conscience. The offering of the young bull was a non-sweet Savor Offering, revealing the shame of sin.
Why do I feel led to bring this word forth at this time? We are watching as church leaders, government leaders and people who are appointed as leaders in this nation fall under the weight of sin. There are three more categories covered by the Sin Offering.
#2 Sin of the Congregation – Lev. 4: 13-21: This also needed a Young Bull without blemish. Such corporate failure would involve the whole camp and would interrupt the communion of all, including both priests and people. Elders represented the people and the High Priest officiated in the prescribed manner. Local assemblies can sin as a whole as seen by the messages to the seven churches.
When a brother sins, we must look upon His sin as our own, and in priestly character intercede for our brother.
1Jo 5:16If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
The Old Testament and New Testament list many sins which were sins unto death.
Note, a brother sinning a sin unto death---that would mean a Christian could sin a sin unto death. Greater scholars than me are still debating whether a fellow believer can commit a sin unto death. In this case, I will simply state, It is written.
The only thought that I might inject is if the sinning is persisted in, it may lead to death as in drugs, alcohol, prostitution, adultery, etc. The Bible does say that fornication and adultery are both sins against the body. In the Old Testament adultery was punishable by death but so was blasphemy. However, those sins are forgivable in the New Testament and we continue to intercede for people who have committed those sins. I am not qualified to interpret 1 Jo. 5:16.
What is the sin unto death?
Some believe this may refer to the unforgivable sin of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 12: 31-32).
Or possibly the sin that brings death in taking communion “unworthily.” (1 Cor. 11: 27-30).
We might also consider John wrote this letter about the gross apostasy of those who turn away from the truth and depart from the fellowship of believers and follow the teaching of antichrist.
But, that too is forgiven and we continue to pray for the backslider. The LORD is married to the backslider.
Gal 6:1Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.For each one shall bear his own load.
This means as a congregation and as the Body of Christ universal, we must be very careful how we handle those “who are called Christ’s Church,” and will be falling around us as deep darkness is exposed. Will we go outside the camp to minister to those who bear the reproach of their sin and in a spirit of gentleness restore them to the fellowship of the body?
As these people fall around us, let us not stand in condemnation throwing stones because we may be next.
#3 Sin of a Ruler (4: 22-26) - Well, these are falling in high places in the year 2019. This could refer to a King, Mayor, Senator, home, church, or all civic leaders, etc. This required a He-Goat without blemish – the male is chosen for government. Communion with God was suspended only on an individual basis. Rule entails public responsibility. An Elder or Deacon’s sin is more serious than those to whom he is charged with oversight.
1Ti 5:19Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.
#4 Sin of the people (4:27-35) - The offender was to bring a female of the goats or sheep without blemish. The Hebrew word in 4: 24:32 indicates full-grown animals (suggesting the age of accountability). This was for each individual. Each of us is responsible for our own sin.
The offerer laid his hand upon the head of the victim, thus transferring his guilt to the appointed substitute.
The fat, kidneys and caul were separated for the LORD. The carcase – that that pertains unto man was carried forth without the camp in the appointed place and burned with fire. This signifies the manifestation of Divine wrath against Sin. The sin-bearing substitute is cast out of God’s Presence as being accursed.
Gal 3:13Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”,)
The heinousness of a sin of ignorance, rebellion or presumption lies not so much in the act as in the state of heart capable of it.
The Trespass Offering described in Lev. 5-7 was for expiation of guilt and the reparation for injury done. Emphasis is upon the wrong act committed rather than upon the particular person committing it.
Trespasses against God involved sins in the holy things of God. Trespasses against man is called a trespass against the Lord because sins against man are also sins against God. We need to discern the Body of Christ. Saul of Tarsus persecuted Jesus when he persecuted the church. The head and the Body are One. This is a very serious subject.
1Co 6:15Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not!Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.”
But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
Trespasses against Man (Lev. 5: 1-5; 6: 1-7) required restitution plus 20%:
- Concealment of truth or vital evidence.
- Defilement of contact with unclean things.
- Swearing or promising rashly.
- Denying a trust.
- Defrauding a partner (cheating in business).
- Disowning by theft or robbery.
- Deception of a neighbor (dishonesty).
- Detaining a found item.
- Delivering a false oath.
There had to be restitution for unrighteous gain:
- Unto man 6: 4-6) Whatever gain was obtained by whatever unrighteous means.
- Unto God - Forgiveness was contingent on restitution.
In the sweet savor offerings, the offerer came as a devoted worshipper and in the non-sweet savor offerings he came as a convicted sinner.
In the former, Jesus presents Himself for us to God without sin, and in the latter he is seen offering Himself as our representative for sin.
2. Heb 13:11For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
I saw a movie this week which was based on a true story in 1957 of an Insurance lawyer, James B. Donovan. He was appointed to defend Rudolf Abel, a communist spy. He was basically told the trial was a farce and meant to make it appear to be a fair trial.
“Committed to the principle that the accused deserves a vigorous defense, he mounts the best defense of Abel he can, declining along the way to cooperate in the CIA's attempts to induce him to violate the confidentiality of his communications with his client.
Abel is convicted, but Donovan convinces the judge to spare Abel the death penalty because Abel had been serving his country honorably, and he might prove useful for a future prisoner exchange; Abel is sentenced to 30 years. Donovan appeals the conviction to the Supreme Court based on the lack of a search warrant for the seizure of Abel's ciphers and photography equipment. For his principled stand Donovan and his family are harassed, including shots being fired at their home. The conviction is upheld.
In 1960, Gary Powers, a pilot in the CIA's top secret U-2 spy plane program, is shot down over the USSR. He is captured and sentenced in a show trial to ten years confinement, including three years in prison.
Donovan receives a letter from East Germany, purportedly sent by Abel's wife, thanking him and urging him to get in contact with their lawyer, whose name is Vogel. The CIA thinks this is a back-channel message hinting that the USSR is willing to swap Powers for Abel. They unofficially ask Donovan to go to Berlin to negotiate the exchange; he arrives just as the Berlin Wall is going up. Crossing in to East Berlin, he meets with a KGB officer in the Soviet Embassy and is then directed to Vogel, who represents the Attorney General of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) (East Germany). The Attorney General seeks to swap Abel for an American graduate student named Frederic Pryor, who had been arrested in East Germany; in the process the GDR hopes to gain official recognition by the United States.
The CIA wants Donovan to disregard Pryor but he insists that both Pryor and Powers be swapped for Abel. In a message to the Attorney General he bluffs that they will either release Pryor with Powers or there will be no deal. The exchange of Powers and Abel takes place at the Glienicke Bridge, with Pryor to be released simultaneously at Checkpoint Charlie. Tension builds as Pryor fails to arrive. The CIA, still primarily concerned with Powers, tell Abel he can go, but he refuses to move. It is confirmed that Pryor has been released, and the exchange takes place.
The next day, back in the United States, the government publicly acknowledges Donovan for negotiating the deal that rehabilitates his public image.
Why did I include this story in today’s message? This man had the courage and conviction and loss of reputation to stand up for truth, integrity and fairness in the face of three governments, our C.I.A., public opinion, and violence against his family.
Golgotha was beyond the walls of Jerusalem. To go outside the city to that dirty old cross means leaving security, respectability and becoming identified with Jesus’ shame. To Jew and Gentile alike the cross was a symbol of shame and an “accursed place”.
The LORD has always required me to go Outside the Camp bearing the reproach of humiliation, rejection, and aloneness.
We the Church are going to have to become “stand up” Christians. If we are to follow Christ outside the camp bearing His reproach, we will be persecuted, attacked and rejected. That is what it means to bear His reproach.
In June 1962, Donovan was contacted by Cuban exile Pérez Cisneros, who asked him to support the negotiations to free the 1,113[15] prisoners of the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion.[6][16] Donovan offered pro bono legal service for the Cuban Families Committee of prisoners' relatives.[16] A few months later, he traveled to Cuba for the first time. Donovan managed to create confidence with Castro, who was pleased Donovan brought his (Donovan's) teenage son with him to Cuba.[6]
“On December 21, 1962, Castro and Donovan signed an agreement to exchange all 1,113 prisoners for $53 million in food and medicine,[15] sourced from private donations and from companies expecting tax concessions.[14] Donovan had the idea to exchange the prisoners for medicine after he had found out that the Cuban medicine didn't help him with his own bursitis.[17] By the end of the negotiations, July 3, 1963, Donovan had secured the release of 9,703 men, women and children from Cuban detention.[18] Donovan was once again teamed up with CIA lawyer Milan C. Miskovsky on these negotiations.[19] For his work, Donovan received the Distinguished Intelligence Medal.”
Carolyn Sissom, Pastor
Eastgate Ministries Church
I entered into the labors of Kelley Varner, Principles of Present Truth From Leviticus; The Bridge of Spies, Wikipedia; prophesy from Johnny Enlow, A New Wave of Justice. Comments and conclusions are my own and not meant to reflect the views of those who I entered into their labors.